Justice Department to Review Deaths Linked to stun guns

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According to a recent article in USA Today, the Justice Department is reviewing the deaths of 180 people that died after being shocked by a stun gun. The study was proposed after law enforcement authorities expressed concern about the growing number of deaths linked to these products. The review could take up to two years to complete, but in the meantime several police departments across the country are re-evaluating their use of stun guns.

Most of the deaths occurred within the past four years, corresponding with the mass deployment of stun guns to police departments throughout the country. A number of departments have re-evaluated their use of the weapons because of the fatal incidents...The company has maintained that its products are safe and have saved the lives of police officers and suspects...According to Taser, the company is a named defendant in 49 lawsuits alleging either wrongful death or personal injury. An additional 20 lawsuits have been dismissed.